Ph.D., Counseling Psychology

General Approach The over-arching goal of the program is to prepare counseling psychologists in the scientist-practitioner model to assume roles as responsible, competent members of the professional psychological community. Such members understand the value of research for the practice of psychology and the value of applied practice for the science of psychology. The philosophy of training maintains a strong emphasis on the approach to practice that distinguishes counseling psychologists from other professionals, as defined by APA Division 17: a focus on relatively intact, rather than severely disturbed people; a focus on assets, strengths and positive mental health regardless of the degree of disturbance; an emphasis on relatively brief interventions; an emphasis on person-environment interactions rather than an exclusive focus on person or environment; and an emphasis on educational development. All students follow a defined sequence of training in theory, research and practice with a comprehensive generalist focus and select an individual nine-credit minor concentration area in preparation for more specialized training in their internship and/or post-doctoral experiences. Past graduates have chosen careers in a variety of settings, including college and university counseling centers, health care and rehabilitation facilities, academic departments in universities, private practice and consultation,, and business and organizational practice.

Coursework

Degree Requirements (97 credits)

I. Foundation of Professional Practice in Psychology (36 credits)

A. Research and Statistics ( 12 credits)

B. Psychological Core (24 credits)

II. Specialization Course for a Major in Counseling Psychology (55 credits)